What is 3/5 + 9/12?

Let's add

3

5

&plus;

9

12

Step 1

We still have different denominators (bottom numbers), though, so we need to get a common denominator. This will make the bottom numbers match. Multiply the denominators together first. Now, multiply each numerator by the other term's denominator.

Now we multiply 3 by 12, and get 36, then we multiply 5 by 12 and get 60.

Now for the second term. You multiply 9 by 5, and get 45, then multiply 5 by 12 and get 60.

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

36

60

&plus;

45

60

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

36 &plus; 45 = 81

So what's the answer so far?

81

60

Step 3

Can this fraction be reduced?

First, we attempt to divide it by 2...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 3...

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 3? Yes! So we reduce it: